Video: LDS Charities helps young boys in Dominican Republic

“I’ve used the same clothes for a long time,” a young boy said. “I don’t remember the last time we had new clothes.”

In the Dominican Republic, Pastor Joel Peña and his wife, Maria, work to create a home for orphaned boys at International Alliance Ministries. Many of the boys have been abandoned. Some come from abusive backgrounds. Others wandered in from the street.

“We’re a family here, not an orphanage,” Pastor Peña said. “I came from a world of suffering as well. I came from the street, and I know what it’s like.”

When Pastor Peña called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for help, LDS Charities partnered with Food for the Poor (an interdenominational Christian relief organization) and the Catholic Church in Santo Domingo to bring boxes of clothes, toys, food, and other basics for the children.